Podcasting


Podcasting is the ability to record your voice and make it downloadable for others to use - like a digital tape recorder.

This could be used as:
  • Revision Notes.
  • Past Papers for those with SFL needs.
  • 'Radio Broadcasts'.
  • Group-created presentations on specific topics.
  • An auditory method of teaching - sharpening up learners' listening skills.
  • Recording different tracks as part of a music project.

These are best uploaded to a wiki or class blog of some sort so learners are easily able to access, download and use them.

Audacity

Audacity is a podcasting recording program that is available on almost all the school computers (Roddy should be able to install it for you if your computer/laptop does not have it).

Download for windows or mac by clicking on the type of computer for home use.

A good tutorial for using Audacity - http://www.how-to-podcast-tutorial.com/17-audacity-tutorial.htm. This website contains youtube links to make figuring it all out a lot easier!

Audioboo

If you have a smartphone (iPhone, Blackberry, HTC etc) then an app is available to use. This allows you to record what you want to say into your phone and then automatically upload it to the audio boo website. Pupils can then go onto the website and listen to or download what you have recorded ('podcasted').

The app is available for iPhone here, through the iTunes store or here for Android phones (it is free).

It is also possible to record it through your computer with a microphone.

http://audioboo.fm/MrGibb is my own account. There is an example of a past paper which I broke into different sections and uploaded, as well as notes on Setting, Characterisation and Narrative Voice. I got pupils to make notes on what they had heard to improve their note taking abilities.